The Secret Place of the Most High

I love the fact that God has a secret place. It means to me there must be something about Him that is mysterious and hidden, and not out in the open for all to see. Well, it is written that no man can see Him and live.

You could say that God is not necessarily an open book. He is not the “show business” type of god that so many make Him out to be. Despite the magnificence of creation all around us; God still chooses to remain a mystery, silent on many things we wish He would speak about, and all together entirely “other” than ourselves. Indeed He calls all men to Himself, but few are actually chosen. See, there is some mystery in this I think. And, just think for a moment how many centuries passed before Jesus was actually born, even though the promise of a coming messiah was well known. Might have part of the reason been that God was properly cautious, and didn’t reveal His heart before He was ready? Of course I’m speculating, but I wonder.

For those of us that believe in God and abide in His presence, we are hiding in this secret place. We are under the protection of the Almighty and His shadow covers us. This place is not seen by everyone, but we know as His beloved, that it exists. It is a place of refuge, a true light in the darkness. When the world around us becomes bitter to our soul and draining to our spirit, we can retreat into His presence where we may have the sweetest communion.

As I’m writing this post a memory keeps coming to my mind. I haven’t thought of this for quite some time. Perhaps there is a purpose at this time in recalling it. For me, and for any who could benefit from reading this.

When I was only fifteen or sixteen years old, I started having personal encounters or experiences where I believed and understood that the Holy Spirit was drawing me in closer, although I wouldn’t have referred to it as such at the time. At this time I also wore a charm bracelet that my aunt had started for me when I was around eight years of age.

One day, I walked down to a local Catholic shop to look at some charms to add to my bracelet, and I noticed a blue/sterling silver charm which had a dove engraved on it. I knew I had to have this charm, as it properly commemorated what was happening in my heart. I didn’t have the money for it right away so I saved my allowance until I could purchase it. I would go into the store from time to time to make sure it was still there. When I finally had the money, I remember running to the store as fast as I could. I honestly remember feeling that I couldn’t get there fast enough. No one else knew about this charm or the purchase. I wore this bracelet for many years, eventually taking all charms off except the engraved dove. I think I even had it blessed. The charm was a constant reminder to me that I had a place of refuge far from all that could ever harm or destroy. It was a reminder to me that there was One who loved me and was calling me to Himself.

Whenever I looked at this charm, I was brought back to the time when I can honestly say I first felt the Holy Spirit’s presence. I was sitting in my room in my childhood home studying, but feeling quite sad and alone at that moment. I remember looking up and out of my bedroom window, at the precise moment a very gentle, light, and refreshing breeze came into my room. The window was not even open. It happened in an instant. My first thought was not that this was Jesus or God….but that this was most surely the Holy Spirit. And, as a Catholic I already understood that all three were One. I felt a love in my heart beyond words and I silently started to cry. I just remember letting the tears flow as I began to relax in the Presence. This was such a humble and gentle Presence, but also very powerful. I honestly remember feeling all of this at once. It was an introduction and invitation at the same time it seemed.

No one knew about this experience of course, and I didn’t tell anyone for quite a long time. No one noticed my new charm on my bracelet either. But…… I was beginning to discover the Secret Place of the Most High.

"Rest in the fact that I have overcome the world!"

I was on an outing after working one evening earlier this week, and thinking heavily about something that was bothering me. Reflection is always good and necessary to a degree. But, it can at times get to a point if left unchecked, we may unnecessarily take on burdens instead of quickly letting them go and moving on.

As I continued to run errands I was praying internally for peace and direction in the situation I was concerned with. I continued asking forgiveness as well if I had so far taken any approach that was not suitable.

I love how God can at times break through our thoughts and problems of the day and bring an instant peace to our hearts. Just as I sat down to wait in a store for something I had ordered, the words that suddenly and unexpectedly came to my heart were” “I want you to rest in the fact that I have overcome.”

My first thought was, “That’s it?” I smiled to myself as I at first thought this statement was quite humorous. Humorous because I am by nature an inquisitive person and I like answers! It is hard for me to accept at times that something just “is”. I have to know the reason why things are a certain way. Sometimes in my attempt to simplify a situation, I actually end up over complicating it.

I was also excited though. I knew this simple statement was a “big” one, and not in the least bit meant to be humorous. This statement is so majestic, and so final. It is Truth, it is peace, and it is security. The fact is Jesus is the final exclamation point, if you will, on all that ever was, is, and ever will be. He is the Alpha and the Omega.

In this life, there will be trials simply because we live in a fallen world. The Holy Spirit can indeed show us mysteries, give us discernment, and of course do great wonders. But, there is an aspect of life where daily trials are ordinary and to be expected. We will face trials that we may not always receive direct answers for. Perhaps an "answer" would be more than we can handle.

I was also pondering the fact that I need to be a little easier going on myself when I do make mistakes. Living in a world where perfection does not exist, will cause some of our reactions in certain situations to be imperfect. This is a human problem. God's mercy is new every morning. It’s almost as if I was being told:  “Get over yourself and move on, I have overcome all. And, once and for all rest in that knowledge.”

I want to be clear though, there is a time for pressing in and being determined that answers will come, in certain situations. This is the kind of faith that Jesus marvels at I think. Don’t ever let go of such tenacity, but discern the times when we need to step back and let go. Or, while we are waiting for answers that haven’t come yet, simply rest in the fact that whatever the outcome of any situation, He truly already has overcome all.

We live in what can be a mysterious and complicated world at times. Some things I’m sure are simply too big for us to handle. However, at the end of the day...there is One who has overcome all.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

His Secret Is For Those That Revere Him

I have come to the conclusion that for a sincere follower of God, the world can indeed be a very lonely and dark place at times. For years I have carried a sense within my heart that, for many, the gospel message is very cheap and broad. Jesus and all His ‘benefits’, could be likened to a child going after a bag full of candy in a candy shop. It’s amazing to me that when Jesus was so incredibly specific; His words are treated as a little afternoon snack that can be picked at, examined, and tossed back in the bag when we decide we are not so interested. “In hearing they do not hear, and in seeing they do not see.” Honestly, that is quite a chilling and serious statement.

I was in a bookshop on Saturday and noticed a particularly large Christian section. There was a time about ten years ago when I would have lingered or spent more time looking over a section such as this. Now, I can hardly stand to look over one of these sections..or even go near it! A certain nausea increases as I get ever closer. There is a lot of ‘candy’, but not a lot of realistic and true substance that would cause my heart to skip a beat.

Am I so enlightened that I am looking down on anything that is beneath my spiritual awareness? No. You must understand what it is to know Jesus, and how much I love Him. You must understand what He has done for me. He paid a price for me that I cannot even begin to fathom the cost to Him. He rescued me from a darkness so great that sometimes I still shake my head and wonder how this all could have happened. Even in moments of intense doubt and confusion, I still cannot deny Him. I very quickly realize in these situations that His truth and solidarity shine through stronger than anything I may feel at that moment. To me, He is majestic beyond words. He is fierce, gentle, kind, completely solid and stable, yet unpredictable and incomprehensible all at the same time. His words can slice through bullshit like a sword, or gently mend a heart in love.

I experienced a lot in the first twenty or so years of my life. My childhood was one that was filled with much fear and a constant fight within to acknowledge reality in a very unpredictable environment. What was real was denied, and what was false was honored and protected. My worth as a human being and an individual would not be realized fully until I called out to Jesus. I believe He was always with me, but there was a time as an adult where I had to make a decision. I have discussed this in previous posts.

To ‘fear’ God, is to know God. To ‘fear’ God is to love Him. There is a ‘knowing’ Him that is simply beyond words. In this knowing is a heart that can hear and handle His secrets. The secret of the Lord is for those that love Him. You won’t find these secrets in the Christian section of a bookshop.

As I walked out of the store on Saturday, I took a look around at all the people enjoying the day and hustling about. I looked back in the store one last time as if to make sure I was really finished browsing. As I was walking away these words so gently came to my heart: “The secret of the Lord if for those who fear  (love) Him.” I walked on enjoying the peaceful silence, but ever strong presence of the One in my heart. Yes Jesus, your secrets are safe with me. Here am I … to sit at your feet and listen.

Psalm 25:14

A Severe Strength Lies Within Our Greatest Weakness

I have always admired the fierce determination, focus, and strength I have at times seen in others during times of hardship or testing. Anyone having the courage to go after a dream despite seemingly impossible obstacles amazes me.

I was reading an article recently where one of my favorite singers, Lisa Gerrard, was interviewed. The interviewer asked when it was that she first realized she had a “unique” singing ability. She simply answered: “I am not unique, I am focused.” She went on to explain that her focus was a result of a desire to accomplish her God given mission, and not of any awareness of a particular uniqueness in her singing ability. This is certainly admirable. If you ask me, this is the right sort of focus.

One of my all time favorite movies, The Right Stuff, also comes to mind. Chuck Yeager, as a test pilot, never seemed to let fear get in his way as he consistently pushed the envelope in his day. If he ever was fearful it seems he didn’t show it.

I happen to be fascinated with aircraft and all things regarding flying, ever since I was a child. This has a lot to do of course with the influence of my father. He has a pilot’s license and a particular love of flying himself. I remember as a child standing next to him as we looked out an airport window watching planes take off. We looked on in silence for a bit, and then he simply said to me, “I think one of the greatest things man has ever learned to do is fly.” I would certainly agree. This is a great human accomplishment where many who lived before us forged ahead toward a seemingly impossible mission.

In my own life I have recently been trying get back a focus that I once had, and great movies certainly inspire. A type of focus and determination I was raised to believe was necessary to possess at all times. My mother actually keeps a magnet on her refrigerator that reads, “To be bored is like taking poison.” I have at times felt a tremendous amount of guilt for thinkng I'm perhaps not being focused enough. This I carry with me every day as I go on navigating my particular path. I simply feel there is not enough time to get everything done I need to do. However, I seem to at times be so easily affected by the sadness of others and the pain in the world. As I take this on, I tend to lose my focus and attention on other things.

In my spiritual life, I have at times felt incredibly weak. Realizing that one can truly do nothing without God requires an act of faith and humility that will in unison destroy any “I am a self-made man or women” mentality we have lingering about. Abiding in Him does not leave a lot of room for the false sort of ambition.

A couple of days ago as I was once again contemplating this whole idea of focus and activity versus surrender, (I understand we can do both in God, as all things are complete in God) and suddenly God felt particularly close. I sensed that His Spirit was attracted to in me, at that moment, a particular fragility contained within a severe strength that was entirely based on my faith in Him. In the same moment that I was telling myself I needed to be ever stronger, God was delighting in my fragility. How could he find this beautiful?

And then He reminded me, “My strength is perfected in your weakness.” In all the ways that we are weak, He is strong. In all the ways we are strong, He is there making us even stronger, all the while perfecting that strength into a sweet aroma for His cause and purpose.

The truth is I am incredibly focused, and herein lies the source of much frustration. I see a goal, and I want to forge ahead and accomplish it…. yesterday. This doesn’t always fit with God’s plan. My focus against all odds remains on the One who has set me free from the law of sin and death. The fragility and “weakness” I get so frustrated within myself for possessing at times serves a particular purpose. It keeps me humble, and compassionate toward the plight of others.

God is love. This is what this life is all about. If we cannot enter into the pain and suffering of others, we cannot know God.

So let us thank God for our strengths and weaknesses. For in the recesses of our greatest weakness, is the seed of a beautiful, eternal, severe strength that no one can take from us, ever.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12: 9)

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait I say on the Lord".(Psalm 27:14)

Resting in the Garden

I was very busy at work today. I didn’t stop to rest for a second, as I wanted to get a lot of organizing done and certain other tasks out of the way in anticipation of the busy weekend ahead. As I was working, the gentlest voice spoke within my heart. He said to me, “Come into My garden.” I smiled to myself as I thought what a beautiful invitation this was. It wasn’t just the words, but the feeling behind the words. When your Master calls, there is a feeling like none other. After a pause He spoke again. “Don’t go out tonight. Come into My garden.” And then again a moment later, “Come into My garden.”

Is this the first time this has happened? No. I have felt the wooing of my Lord before. But every time it’s like being asked out on a first date all over again. For each of us the Lord’s garden is something unique and special, only meant for us and Him. He prepares a place for us as if we were the only person He chose to visit in this manner.

I then began to picture what this garden would look like. I had imagined other, different gardens before. But today, I imagined a small, beautiful garden with small quiet fountains and many flowers. Especially roses… my favorite. I happen to like Japanese gardens in particular, and I think I was imagining something like this. I thought of dew on bright green plants and a light mist gently falling, and then slowly parting so we could see each other. I pictured a quiet place with much peace. Perhaps no words even had to be spoken between us for a time.

Beyond the physical beauty of the place, there is the excitement and the expectation that comes. We might say to ourselves, “I wonder what He wants to say to me? I wonder what we will talk about?

After I finished working today, I actually went to a couple of garden shops so I could walk around and enjoy the flowers and plants. I was also shopping for this coming Sunday, which is Mother’s Day. Even walking around in a place like this, I could relax and feel at peace. What is it about a garden that is so special? Is it a reminder to us of a place we once occupied, in complete and perfect union with God? That beautiful place that Jesus left, to rescue us and bring us back to Him?

Go to Him. He waits for each and every one of us to behold Him as He really is. This is the only way we can see ourselves and others as He truly meant for us and them to be. How can we say we love God if we do not love others? How can we say we truly love others, if we do not love God? Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15: 4-5)

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15: 12-13)

" No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you." (John 15: 15)

"Fellowship of the Unashamed"

" I am part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down,back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, slight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams,chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position,promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience,lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, myroad is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until Heaven returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me.

My colors will be clear."

I can't be sure, but I read that the above was written a by an African pastor shortly before he was martyred, or newly ordained. I don't know which. Perhaps it was neither, or perhaps both. I found this and had to post this as I feel I can relate. Enough said.

I like the line, "I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity." There is an aspect of strong faith that must be present in order for us to excercize this. This reminds me of Jesus in the boat with His disciples.

Matthew 8: 23-26

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.

Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.

The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"

He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"

Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

Embracing the Silence....to Listen

I was just reading an article on the importance of listening to others. When someone listens to us it is healing, and all of us have a deep seated need to be heard. As I was reading I felt a compassion rising in my heart for all those who just need someone to listen.

Apparently when Dan Rather interviewed Mother Teresa once, he asked her what it was she said to God when she prayed. “Nothing,” she said. “I just listen.” Rather than asked her, “Then what does God say to you?” “Nothing,” she said. “He just listens.”

Simple – beautiful – eternal.